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'It's a bit complicated': Delayed COVID-19 test results make it difficult to understand the spread in Arizona

A visitor takes a photo at the Grand Canyon Friday, May 15, 2020, in Grand Canyon, Ariz. Tourists are once again roaming portions of Â Grand Canyon National Park when it partially reopened Friday morning, despite objections that the action could exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic. Matt York, AP

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A visitor takes a photo at the Grand Canyon Friday, May 15, 2020, in Grand Canyon, Ariz. Tourists are once again roaming portions of Â Grand Canyon National Park when it partially reopened Friday morning, despite objections that the action could exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic.
Matt York, AP

Matthew Garcia, owner of Arizona Bio-Fogging Disinfection Services, uses a propane powered bio-fogger to disinfect the Jabz Boxing studio at 3136 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, as the boxing fitness center for women prepares to reopen following their closure in mid March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 14, 2020. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Matthew Garcia, owner of Arizona Bio-Fogging Disinfection Services, uses a propane powered bio-fogger to disinfect the Jabz Boxing studio at 3136 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, as the boxing fitness center for women prepares to reopen following their closure in mid March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, on May 14, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic

Father Andres Arango distributes Holy Communion while wearing a mask amid COVID-19 at Gordon Hall at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Phoenix on May 10, 2020. Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Father Andres Arango distributes Holy Communion while wearing a mask amid COVID-19 at Gordon Hall at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Phoenix on May 10, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Customers drink at the bar as masked employees work at Culinary Dropout in Phoenix on May 22, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Customers drink at the bar as masked employees work at Culinary Dropout in Phoenix on May 22, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

A phone case and repair kiosk employee relaxes in between customers at Chandler Fashion Center mall in Chandler on May 23, 2020. , Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A phone case and repair kiosk employee relaxes in between customers at Chandler Fashion Center mall in Chandler on May 23, 2020.
, Eli Imadali/The Republic

Greg Neises, a bartender, wipes down the bar after serving a guest at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale on May 22, 2020. With demand starting to pick back up at the Hotel Valley Ho, the hotel has implemented procedures such as partitions, limiting capacity and having staff wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Greg Neises, a bartender, wipes down the bar after serving a guest at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale on May 22, 2020. With demand starting to pick back up at the Hotel Valley Ho, the hotel has implemented procedures such as partitions, limiting capacity and having staff wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Wallace/The Republic

Rianna Vallecillo receives her diploma from principal Sarah Tolar during a senior sendoff celebration on May 21, 2020, at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Rianna Vallecillo receives her diploma from principal Sarah Tolar during a senior sendoff celebration on May 21, 2020, at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Actor Sean Penn records a video on a community member's phone at a food distribution point before the start of a weekend-long curfew in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation on May 15, 2020. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Actor Sean Penn records a video on a community member's phone at a food distribution point before the start of a weekend-long curfew in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation on May 15, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic

Volunteer Tuqa Alfatlawi, help Muslim community mostly from Syria, during the Food distribution at the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix. Families in need came for a drive-through service due to coronavirus for safety. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Volunteer Tuqa Alfatlawi, help Muslim community mostly from Syria, during the Food distribution at the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix. Families in need came for a drive-through service due to coronavirus for safety.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Parishioners attend Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church in Phoenix May 17, 2020. The church resumed services limited to 25% capacity after state restrictions due to the coronavirus were allowed to expire. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Parishioners attend Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church in Phoenix May 17, 2020. The church resumed services limited to 25% capacity after state restrictions due to the coronavirus were allowed to expire.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Mountain View students laugh and react to cars passing by during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Mountain View students laugh and react to cars passing by during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Graduating seniors toss their caps at 7:15pm during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Graduating seniors toss their caps at 7:15pm during the Mountain View High School senior parade salute in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Tubers float down the Salt River during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted his stay-at-home order Friday, the 15, and the day after Salt River Tubing reopened with some guidelines in place to promote safety during the pandemic. Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Tubers float down the Salt River during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mesa, Ariz. on May 16, 2020. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted his stay-at-home order Friday, the 15, and the day after Salt River Tubing reopened with some guidelines in place to promote safety during the pandemic.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Local residents go for evening outing at Tempe Town Lake on May 14, 2020. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Local residents go for evening outing at Tempe Town Lake on May 14, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic

James Landry (left) and Coy Vernon train while others chill having picnic at Scottsdale Civic Center on May 14, 2020. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

James Landry (left) and Coy Vernon train while others chill having picnic at Scottsdale Civic Center on May 14, 2020.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Erin Walter, from left, Angelica Kenrick and Sheri Rearick, all with the Professional Beauty Association, participate in an online work meeting at Kenrick's home in Phoenix on May 14, 2020. Walter and Rearick surprised Kenrick on her birthday by coming to her home, to work from home. The three employees had not seen each other in weeks. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Erin Walter, from left, Angelica Kenrick and Sheri Rearick, all with the Professional Beauty Association, participate in an online work meeting at Kenrick's home in Phoenix on May 14, 2020. Walter and Rearick surprised Kenrick on her birthday by coming to her home, to work from home. The three employees had not seen each other in weeks.
David Wallace/The Republic

May 12, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; No spectators allowed signs at the club house during round one at the Scottsdale AZ Open at Talking Stick Golf Club's OÕodham course. This is the first semi-significant sports event to take place in the Valley since the sports shutdown in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

The new coronavirus in Arizona

May 12, 2020; Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; No spectators allowed signs at the club house during round one at the Scottsdale AZ Open at Talking Stick Golf Club's OÕodham course. This is the first semi-significant sports event to take place in the Valley since the sports shutdown in March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Rob Schumacher, Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine-in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

People pack into CASA Tempe on the first day of dine-in reopening in Tempe on May 11, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles offers dine in services after more than a month of take out only due to COVID-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 11, 2020. Many restaurants around Arizona began reopening dining services as Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted some restrictions under the COVID-19 lock down. Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles offers dine in services after more than a month of take out only due to COVID-19 in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 11, 2020. Many restaurants around Arizona began reopening dining services as Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted some restrictions under the COVID-19 lock down.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

From left, Kiaya Stearns, Cae Stearns, Heather Stears and Landen Stearns wave to their grandparents above, Harry and Jeanne Sharkey, during a drive-by Mother's Day parade at LivGenerations, a senior-living community in Ahwatukee, on May 10, 2020. Seeing their grandparents' reaction to the parade said it all, they said. "It felt amazing," Heather Stearns said. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

From left, Kiaya Stearns, Cae Stearns, Heather Stears and Landen Stearns wave to their grandparents above, Harry and Jeanne Sharkey, during a drive-by Mother's Day parade at LivGenerations, a senior-living community in Ahwatukee, on May 10, 2020. Seeing their grandparents' reaction to the parade said it all, they said. "It felt amazing," Heather Stearns said.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

Sarah Lawrence gets tested for COVID-19 by a Dignity Health medical worker at a drive-up testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Sarah Lawrence gets tested for COVID-19 by a Dignity Health medical worker at a drive-up testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

Dignity Health medical workers Stephanie Tyrin and Shannon Miller relax in between patients at a drive-up coronavirus testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Dignity Health medical workers Stephanie Tyrin and Shannon Miller relax in between patients at a drive-up coronavirus testing site at State Farm Stadium from Dignity Health and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

From left, manager David Grady and owner Mimi Nguyen do mother and daughter customers Tonna and Elaina Yutze's nails at AZ Nails Spa 101 near the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria on May 8, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

From left, manager David Grady and owner Mimi Nguyen do mother and daughter customers Tonna and Elaina Yutze's nails at AZ Nails Spa 101 near the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria on May 8, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

The staff of Hood Burger outside Cobra Arcade Bar in downtown Phoenix on May 2, 2020. Hood Burger, a nonprofit pop-up eatery, is offering food to help the Arizona Coalition to Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

The staff of Hood Burger outside Cobra Arcade Bar in downtown Phoenix on May 2, 2020. Hood Burger, a nonprofit pop-up eatery, is offering food to help the Arizona Coalition to Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Demonstrators listen to speakers during a rally for the governor to open the state at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Organizers of the event say that quarantine is for the sick and not the healthy. May 3, 2020. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Demonstrators listen to speakers during a rally for the governor to open the state at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Organizers of the event say that quarantine is for the sick and not the healthy. May 3, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Derick Asturias gets tested for the novel coronavirus during the testing blitz at Valle del Sol, a testing site in Phoenix on May 2, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Derick Asturias gets tested for the novel coronavirus during the testing blitz at Valle del Sol, a testing site in Phoenix on May 2, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

Jets with Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona National Guard fly over the valley near Luke Air Force base to honor people fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 virus in Ariz. on May 1, 2020. Thomas Hawthorne, Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Jets with Luke Air Force Base and the Arizona National Guard fly over the valley near Luke Air Force base to honor people fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 virus in Ariz. on May 1, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne, Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Healthcare professionals take a selfie outside Valleywise Health Medical Center as they wait for a flyover from the Arizona National Guard to honor essential workers in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 1, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Healthcare professionals take a selfie outside Valleywise Health Medical Center as they wait for a flyover from the Arizona National Guard to honor essential workers in Phoenix, Ariz. on May 1, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Brandy Nieman, on left, and Jill Cunningham rides in a bus in downtown Phoenix. Valley Metro Transit System will be reducing their services due to Covid-19. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Brandy Nieman, on left, and Jill Cunningham rides in a bus in downtown Phoenix. Valley Metro Transit System will be reducing their services due to Covid-19.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks to the media before dropping off food to medical workers April 29, 2020. Fitzgerald was dropping off food from Ocean 44 Restaurant to various health care workers helping with COVID-19. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald speaks to the media before dropping off food to medical workers April 29, 2020. Fitzgerald was dropping off food from Ocean 44 Restaurant to various health care workers helping with COVID-19.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Quyen Bach (left) and Chris French have their photos taken by Kim Ly at Papago Park in Phoenix on April 29, 2020. Both are graduating from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Quyen Bach (left) and Chris French have their photos taken by Kim Ly at Papago Park in Phoenix on April 29, 2020. Both are graduating from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Jamie Doles lays with her daughter Paisley, 3, as they watch the Book of Life at the Digital Drive-In AZ in Mesa, Ariz. on April 20, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Jamie Doles lays with her daughter Paisley, 3, as they watch the Book of Life at the Digital Drive-In AZ in Mesa, Ariz. on April 20, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

A health care worker stands in counter protest as people march towards the Arizona State Capitol in protest of Gov. Doug Ducey's stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus April 20, 2020. They were urging the governor to re-open the state. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A health care worker stands in counter protest as people march towards the Arizona State Capitol in protest of Gov. Doug Ducey's stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus April 20, 2020. They were urging the governor to re-open the state.
Michael Chow/The Republic

The copper dome and Winged Victory statue over the Arizona State Capitol is illuminated with blue light in Phoenix during the "Light It Blue" campaign across the United States to honor essential front-line workers and health care professionals during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

The copper dome and Winged Victory statue over the Arizona State Capitol is illuminated with blue light in Phoenix during the "Light It Blue" campaign across the United States to honor essential front-line workers and health care professionals during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Melissa Read breaks down cardboard boxes while United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Melissa Read breaks down cardboard boxes while United Food Bank volunteers and National Guard soldiers distribute care packages to families on April 17, 2020, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Bruce Forstrom, a volunteer with United Food Bank, prepares emergency food bags at the United Food Bank warehouse in Mesa on April 16, 2020. Despite the increased need because of the coronavirus pandemic, United Food Bank has seen an over 60 percent decrease in volunteers, also because of the pandemic, according to Tyson Nansel, United Food Bank director of public and media relations. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Bruce Forstrom, a volunteer with United Food Bank, prepares emergency food bags at the United Food Bank warehouse in Mesa on April 16, 2020. Despite the increased need because of the coronavirus pandemic, United Food Bank has seen an over 60 percent decrease in volunteers, also because of the pandemic, according to Tyson Nansel, United Food Bank director of public and media relations.
David Wallace/The Republic

A rider wears a mask over her face while traveling east on the Arizona Canal Trail near Goldwater Blvd and East 5th Ave. in Scottsdale. Apr. 15, 2020 Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A rider wears a mask over her face while traveling east on the Arizona Canal Trail near Goldwater Blvd and East 5th Ave. in Scottsdale. Apr. 15, 2020
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

James Smith, with Balfour, the company that sells graduations caps and gowns, hands a cap, gown and grad box which includes graduation mailing announcements, to a Skyline high school graduating senior as they pick them up from their vehicle at Skyline high school in Mesa on April 14, 2020. Tom Brennan, principal of Skyline, says he is unsure what kind of graduation ceremony they will have, if any at all, because of the coronavirus pandemic. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

James Smith, with Balfour, the company that sells graduations caps and gowns, hands a cap, gown and grad box which includes graduation mailing announcements, to a Skyline high school graduating senior as they pick them up from their vehicle at Skyline high school in Mesa on April 14, 2020. Tom Brennan, principal of Skyline, says he is unsure what kind of graduation ceremony they will have, if any at all, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
David Wallace/The Republic

Frances Rozzen, wearing a mask because of the coronavirus pandemic, looks at the near empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels at the Safeway grocery store on 16th Street and Southern Avenue in Phoenix on April 13, 2020. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Frances Rozzen, wearing a mask because of the coronavirus pandemic, looks at the near empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels at the Safeway grocery store on 16th Street and Southern Avenue in Phoenix on April 13, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Kathy Jacobsen signals to her mother, Audrey Wilson, 80, who has dementia, through the glass pane of a door, at Arbor Rose Senior Center in Mesa on April 1, 2020. Jacobsen was taking her mother out of the facility because of concerns of a coronavirus outbreak within the facility. She is moving her mother in with her at her Gilbert home. Jacobsen had not be able to visit her mother inside the facility because of the coronavirus pandemic since early March. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Kathy Jacobsen signals to her mother, Audrey Wilson, 80, who has dementia, through the glass pane of a door, at Arbor Rose Senior Center in Mesa on April 1, 2020. Jacobsen was taking her mother out of the facility because of concerns of a coronavirus outbreak within the facility. She is moving her mother in with her at her Gilbert home. Jacobsen had not be able to visit her mother inside the facility because of the coronavirus pandemic since early March.
David Wallace/The Republic

Charlie and Stacy Derouen raise their hands as they listen to Pastor Jason Anderson during an Easter drive-in service at the Living World Bible Church in Mesa, Ariz. on April 12, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Charlie and Stacy Derouen raise their hands as they listen to Pastor Jason Anderson during an Easter drive-in service at the Living World Bible Church in Mesa, Ariz. on April 12, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Friends catch up on conversation and practice social distancing in an empty shopping center in Phoenix on April 11, 2020. Michael Meister/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Friends catch up on conversation and practice social distancing in an empty shopping center in Phoenix on April 11, 2020.
Michael Meister/The Republic

Apr. 10, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A cross tops the steeple at Dream City Church in Phoenix during the sunrise on Good Friday. Most churches across the United States will be empty on Easter Sunday due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Apr. 10, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A cross tops the steeple at Dream City Church in Phoenix during the sunrise on Good Friday. Most churches across the United States will be empty on Easter Sunday due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Damion Holliday (left) and Andrew Morales wait for their flight to San Diego at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Damion Holliday (left) and Andrew Morales wait for their flight to San Diego at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Airport employees touch their feet together at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Airport employees touch their feet together at Terminal 4 on April 9, 2020, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Chalk messages written on a sidewalk in a Tempe neighborhood, reference the coronavirus pandemic on April 8, 2020. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Chalk messages written on a sidewalk in a Tempe neighborhood, reference the coronavirus pandemic on April 8, 2020.
David Wallace/The Republic

Bryan Harding, who works in real estate, works on his front porch in the Maple-Ash neighborhood of Tempe on April 9, 2020. Harding says he likes to work outside because it gives him his own space while his wife works inside. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Bryan Harding, who works in real estate, works on his front porch in the Maple-Ash neighborhood of Tempe on April 9, 2020. Harding says he likes to work outside because it gives him his own space while his wife works inside.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

People at Living Word Bible Church attend a "drive-in church service" in Mesa, Ariz. April 5, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has forced churches to come up with new ways to hold service while social distancing. People are encouraged to honk for amen. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

People at Living Word Bible Church attend a "drive-in church service" in Mesa, Ariz. April 5, 2020. The coronavirus pandemic has forced churches to come up with new ways to hold service while social distancing. People are encouraged to honk for amen.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Zacona Michaux hands out lunches at Edison Elementary School in Mesa on April 9, 2020. Mesa school district is having trouble getting food supplies and is having to scale back on meal distribution. Edison elementary meal site is closing effective April 10. Starting April 13 meals can be picked up a Kino Junior High (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Zacona Michaux hands out lunches at Edison Elementary School in Mesa on April 9, 2020. Mesa school district is having trouble getting food supplies and is having to scale back on meal distribution. Edison elementary meal site is closing effective April 10. Starting April 13 meals can be picked up a Kino Junior High (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Haim Ainsworth and his son, Jacob Shapiro-Ainsworth, 11, share a laugh during an online Seder during the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover at their home in Tempe on April 8, 2020. The Seder which included members from Temple Emanuel was being held online because of the coronavirus pandemic. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Haim Ainsworth and his son, Jacob Shapiro-Ainsworth, 11, share a laugh during an online Seder during the first night of the Jewish holiday of Passover at their home in Tempe on April 8, 2020. The Seder which included members from Temple Emanuel was being held online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
David Wallace/The Republic

Apr. 7, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; The supermoon, also known as the pink moon rises over the Papago Park Buttes, it is the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2020. The coronavirus has changed our lives as social distancing is in our lives Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Apr. 7, 2020; Phoenix, AZ, USA; The supermoon, also known as the pink moon rises over the Papago Park Buttes, it is the biggest and brightest supermoon of 2020. The coronavirus has changed our lives as social distancing is in our lives
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Cowboy Club employee Jonathan Castillo wipes down a shelf in Sedona on April 7, 2020. Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Cowboy Club employee Jonathan Castillo wipes down a shelf in Sedona on April 7, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

More than 1,000 rental cars sit in a parking lot near Priest Dr. and Van Buren St. in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 6, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

More than 1,000 rental cars sit in a parking lot near Priest Dr. and Van Buren St. in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 6, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Vista Monterey Park in Mesa, Ariz. is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic April 5, 2020. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Vista Monterey Park in Mesa, Ariz. is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic April 5, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Dikeya Williams stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. She's worn her mask, complete with a stapled on image of teeth with grillz and fangs, for two weeks and works as a child care director and provider. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Dikeya Williams stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. She's worn her mask, complete with a stapled on image of teeth with grillz and fangs, for two weeks and works as a child care director and provider.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

Mary Vale (left) and Becky Leuluai wait to give out care packages to hotel employees on April 3, 2020, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Mary Vale (left) and Becky Leuluai wait to give out care packages to hotel employees on April 3, 2020, at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Dee Madden has her hair washed at The Savvy Stylist on a quiet Friday afternoon at the Tempe hair salon on April 3, 2020, just before Gov. Doug Ducey ordered hair and nail salons to be shut down by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Many people are avoiding hair care during the new coronavirus pandemic due to its hands-on nature. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Dee Madden has her hair washed at The Savvy Stylist on a quiet Friday afternoon at the Tempe hair salon on April 3, 2020, just before Gov. Doug Ducey ordered hair and nail salons to be shut down by 5 p.m. on Saturday. Many people are avoiding hair care during the new coronavirus pandemic due to its hands-on nature.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Colton Williams with Crescent Crown Distributing, delivers beer to Tops Liquors in Tempe, Ariz., on April 2, 2020. Tops Liquors has seen an 40 percent increase in sales in the last two weeks. Cheryl Evans/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Colton Williams with Crescent Crown Distributing, delivers beer to Tops Liquors in Tempe, Ariz., on April 2, 2020. Tops Liquors has seen an 40 percent increase in sales in the last two weeks.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic

Isolation tents are set up for homeless persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 2, 2020. Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Isolation tents are set up for homeless persons showing symptoms of COVID-19 at the Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 2, 2020.
Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The City of Phoenix closes park amenities due to the COVID-19 health crisis on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay at home" order at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

The City of Phoenix closes park amenities due to the COVID-19 health crisis on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay at home" order at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

A woman holds a baby outside of the lobby at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay at home" order on April 1, 2020, in Phoenix. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A woman holds a baby outside of the lobby at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix on the first day of Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay at home" order on April 1, 2020, in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Paige Mulvey, 7, touches hands with her grandmother, Kathy Holcombe, 66, through a door window at her home on March 30, 2020, in Phoenix. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Paige Mulvey, 7, touches hands with her grandmother, Kathy Holcombe, 66, through a door window at her home on March 30, 2020, in Phoenix.
Sean Logan/The Republic

A sign hangs at the front gate to Coyote Ranch, in Yuma, Ariz., Monday, March 29, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Randy Hoeft, AP

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A sign hangs at the front gate to Coyote Ranch, in Yuma, Ariz., Monday, March 29, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Randy Hoeft, AP

Gov. Doug Ducey listens to speakers on COVID-19 during a news conference at the Arizona Commerce Authority in Phoenix March 30, 2020. Gov. Ducey issued a stay at home order effective close of business March 31. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Gov. Doug Ducey listens to speakers on COVID-19 during a news conference at the Arizona Commerce Authority in Phoenix March 30, 2020. Gov. Ducey issued a stay at home order effective close of business March 31.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Dr. Warren Stewart Sr., senior pastor, speaks during a live-streamed Sunday service at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on March 29, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Dr. Warren Stewart Sr., senior pastor, speaks during a live-streamed Sunday service at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on March 29, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

U.S. Army National Guard specialist Frank Rezzano and U.S. Air Force technical sergeant Justin Emanuelson stock shelves at Basha's grocery store in Scottsdale on March 28, 2020. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

U.S. Army National Guard specialist Frank Rezzano and U.S. Air Force technical sergeant Justin Emanuelson stock shelves at Basha's grocery store in Scottsdale on March 28, 2020.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Adam Hansen, a doctor from Redirect Health in Glendale, takes a swab from a patient in a drive-thru to test for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it's important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Adam Hansen, a doctor from Redirect Health in Glendale, takes a swab from a patient in a drive-thru to test for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it's important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Nick Oza/The Republic

Medical assistant Mary Hermiz checks a sample from a patient at a Glendale drive-thru that tests for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it's important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Medical assistant Mary Hermiz checks a sample from a patient at a Glendale drive-thru that tests for flu and coronavirus on March 25, 2020. Medicare and some insurance plans will cover the testing (with normal co-pays and deductibles) or there is a $49 self-pay option. Experts say it's important to get a test inside the first 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Nick Oza/The Republic

As many Phoenicians work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Avenue appears empty and void of traffic in downtown Phoenix on March 25, 2020. Michael Chow and Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

As many Phoenicians work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Avenue appears empty and void of traffic in downtown Phoenix on March 25, 2020.
Michael Chow and Thomas Hawthorne/The Republic

Spc. Sofia Pez (left) and Spc. Juan Sandoval load a box into a client's vehicle on March 25, 2020, at the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix. Mark Henle/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Spc. Sofia Pez (left) and Spc. Juan Sandoval load a box into a client's vehicle on March 25, 2020, at the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix.
Mark Henle/The Republic

Emily Miles has her temperature taken before being allowed to donate blood at a temporary blood bank set up in a church's fellowship hall Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Tempe, Ariz. Schools and businesses that typically host blood drives are temporarily closed due to precautionary measures in place to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus leading to extremely low levels of blood availability throughout the state. Matt York, AP

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Emily Miles has her temperature taken before being allowed to donate blood at a temporary blood bank set up in a church's fellowship hall Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Tempe, Ariz. Schools and businesses that typically host blood drives are temporarily closed due to precautionary measures in place to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus leading to extremely low levels of blood availability throughout the state.
Matt York, AP

Shawn Ray, owner of S2 Armament LLC, tells a customer that nearly all inventory of firearms and ammo are sold out at Patriot Nation Firearms and Accessories in Phoenix. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Shawn Ray, owner of S2 Armament LLC, tells a customer that nearly all inventory of firearms and ammo are sold out at Patriot Nation Firearms and Accessories in Phoenix.
David Wallace/The Republic

John White, 9, decorates his mother's van before a parade for Val Vista Lakes Elementary School students in their neighborhoods on March 23, 2020, in Gilbert, Ariz. Sean Logan/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

John White, 9, decorates his mother's van before a parade for Val Vista Lakes Elementary School students in their neighborhoods on March 23, 2020, in Gilbert, Ariz.
Sean Logan/The Republic

Banner UMC’s drive-up system in Tucson is for emergency room triage for a variety of illnesses and is not for random testing for COVID-19. It has been put in place to keep crowds from the ER and protect the health of patients and staff. Josh Galemore/Arizona Daily Star

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Banner UMC’s drive-up system in Tucson is for emergency room triage for a variety of illnesses and is not for random testing for COVID-19. It has been put in place to keep crowds from the ER and protect the health of patients and staff.
Josh Galemore/Arizona Daily Star

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Sheena Williams of Nature's Medicines announcing to keep a distance from each other from long lines for people who are in need with their medical card. Because of the new law on gathering, they were allowing five people at the time, and everyone was keeping a distance from themselves to get their Medicine. Nick Oza/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Sheena Williams of Nature's Medicines announcing to keep a distance from each other from long lines for people who are in need with their medical card. Because of the new law on gathering, they were allowing five people at the time, and everyone was keeping a distance from themselves to get their Medicine.
Nick Oza/The Republic

A tent for extra hospital beds is pictured at the Phoenix VA on March 19, 2020, in Phoenix. Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A tent for extra hospital beds is pictured at the Phoenix VA on March 19, 2020, in Phoenix.
Eli Imadali/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Individuals are tested for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus at a mobile clinic set up in the parking lot at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on the morning of March 18, 2020. Only Mayo Clinic patients with a doctor's order could use the mobile clinic. A slow but steady stream of vehicles was passing through the mobile clinic on Wednesday morning. David Wallace/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Individuals are tested for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus at a mobile clinic set up in the parking lot at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on the morning of March 18, 2020. Only Mayo Clinic patients with a doctor's order could use the mobile clinic. A slow but steady stream of vehicles was passing through the mobile clinic on Wednesday morning.
David Wallace/The Republic

Mar. 18, 2020; Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, USA; Two Taiwanese tourists wear N-95 masks while taking in the view at Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19, park entrance fees are suspended, shuttle bus service is suspended and visitor centers are closed. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Mar. 18, 2020; Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, USA; Two Taiwanese tourists wear N-95 masks while taking in the view at Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Due to the coronavirus COVID-19, park entrance fees are suspended, shuttle bus service is suspended and visitor centers are closed.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

A customers grabs a package of toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer. Mark Henle/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A customers grabs a package of toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer.
Mark Henle/The Republic

Customers grab toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer. Mark Henle/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Customers grab toilet paper on March 18, 2020, at a Target store in Tempe. Target is only allowing one per customer.
Mark Henle/The Republic

Hikers watch the sun set from the top of "A" Mountain in Tempe on March 17, 2020. Michael Chow/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Hikers watch the sun set from the top of "A" Mountain in Tempe on March 17, 2020.
Michael Chow/The Republic

Juliana Posso (L) and Evan Davis during the Brides of March bar crawl at the Churchill in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 13, 2020. Patrick Breen/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Juliana Posso (L) and Evan Davis during the Brides of March bar crawl at the Churchill in Phoenix, Ariz. on March 13, 2020.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

A sign announces that Major League Baseball has suspended the 2020 spring training season, this is in response to the COVID-19 virus health emergency on March 13, 2020 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. Rob Schumacher/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

A sign announces that Major League Baseball has suspended the 2020 spring training season, this is in response to the COVID-19 virus health emergency on March 13, 2020 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic

Robert Truman, with SSC Services for Education, uses an electrostatic sprayer to sanitize a classroom on March 12, 2020, at Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School in Chandler. Mark Henle/The Republic

The new coronavirus in Arizona

Robert Truman, with SSC Services for Education, uses an electrostatic sprayer to sanitize a classroom on March 12, 2020, at Kyrene de la Mirada Elementary School in Chandler.
Mark Henle/The Republic

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The new coronavirus in Arizona

A visitor takes a photo at the Grand Canyon Friday, May 15, 2020, in Grand Canyon, Ariz. Tourists are once again roaming portions of Â Grand Canyon National Park when it partially reopened Friday morning, despite objections that the action could exacerbate the coronavirus pandemic.

The updated data the public sees each day about the number of COVID-19 cases in Arizona reflects the spread of the disease as it stood a week ago or longer because of delays that take place in obtaining results.

In addition, it only reflects part of the spread because of limited test availability and restrictions on who can receive a test.

The result is an incomplete picture of how things once stood with the disease, not how the situation actually is today.

It takes a person about five days on average, though it can be up to two weeks, to show symptoms after being exposed to the virus. Because testing is limited to those who are very ill or high-risk, it can take another few days or a week to become sick enough to get tested.

From there, if you’re able to get a test, it can take a few days to a week before you get the results. Those results are then reported to the state and counties. The numbers then start to appear on public case counts.

“What you're seeing is what happened a few weeks ago,” said Dr. Bob England, Pima County’s health director. “So we are behind the curve. We are always going to be behind the curve in terms of where transmission is happening now. And that's something to keep in mind when people talk about relaxing some of the social mitigation that's been put into place: You're looking at where you were weeks ago.”

And, even once the results are reported publicly, they’re incomplete. The case numbers don’t account for those who are infected but couldn’t get a test or stayed home and didn’t seek care in the first place, he said.

“There's a lot to be desired,” England said.

Jessica Rigler, assistant director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, said the state typically expects a four to seven day lag in the data because of the turnaround time for testing.

Counties receive the data as soon as the state gets it because they share a surveillance system, she said.

"The data that gets posted is really a look back on what has happened in the state in the last week or two, not what's happening today," Rigler said.

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A look inside at the Arizona Department of Health Services lab as they test for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Arizona Republic

Delays in results at the county level

Maricopa County’s coronavirus reporting cautions the public to recognize this lag in data when assessing case numbers.

“This number is likely to increase as there is an 8 day reporting delay from when specimens were collected,” the county’s report, updated daily with information on cases, says.

Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, Maricopa County’s medical director of public health, said eight days is the longest the process could take from test collection to public reporting.

She said the timing depends on which laboratory is being used and where its processing lab is located. Depending on the lab, she said, specimens are sent to California or sometimes even across the country to be processed, adding to the delay in results.

The private lab then processes the results, which can take a few days. They then are reported electronically to the state. The county then accesses that information and publishes it in daily Maricopa County updates.

“It’s a bit complicated, but that’s why it can take up to eight days, but sometimes we have those results as soon as a few days,” Sunenshine said.

In Coconino County, which currently has the fourth-highest case count among Arizona's 15 counties, public health officials understand there’s both a test shortage and results lag, so testing results do not affect their response, County Epidemiologist Matthew Maurer said.

“Knowing that we have an insufficient supply of collection specimen kits and materials for collecting specimens, we’re having to treat people that are sick and experience symptoms of COVID-19 all the same,” Maurer said. “Regardless of whether you’re able to get tested or not, our interventions are still the same.”

Maurer said compared to the early days of coronavirus, test reporting speed has improved significantly. On average, the county receives results reported to the state about four days from the test date. The range from a day or two to up to eight days depends on where the test is collected and where it’s sent for processing.

Results can take anywhere from two days to 12 days, England has seen in Pima County.

How labs share result information

Initially, the two main private testing companies, Sonora Quest and LabCorp, had to send the tests out of state to be completed, England said. By March 20, Sonora Quest had begun processing tests in Tempe, where all swab samples handled by the company are tested.

Labs send a list of positive tests to the state electronically each day, England said. But many times, the database includes only a person’s name and the provider or facility that ordered the test, he said. The county then has to follow up with the provider to get contact information for the person who tested positive, he said. They don’t usually get a phone number or address.

"That sometimes can result in delays before we can get to the bottom of it, find out anything about the person, talk to their household contacts, make sure everybody knows what they need to be doing, and so forth," he said.

Sonora Quest so far has reported more than 27,000 test results to the state health department. Their average turnaround time for test processing at the Tempe site is 36 hours. This means on average, it takes a day and a half for the physician to learn the test result after the lab receives the specimen, according to Brian Koeneman, Sonora Quest’s scientific medical director.

Sonora Quest sends all their test results to the state once a day. It’s then in the state’s hands to sort out and display the results publicly. It’s unclear how long that process takes. Koeneman said eight days seems on the long side.

“I don’t know where that sample is going to for an eight-day turnaround time," Koeneman said. "But if they’re backlogged, it could take a couple days for them to get to the test, actually getting to that sample," he said of other labs.

As far as Sonora Quest, Koeneman said he’s not aware of any testing lag. As soon as the lab finds results, they’re sent to the ordering physician and the state system.

Posted!

Terry, who preferred not to give a full name, stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. He's worn a respirator, which he typically uses for work, for the last week. Eli Imadali/The Republic

Dikeya Williams stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. She's worn her mask, complete with a stapled on image of teeth with grillz and fangs, for two weeks and works as a child care director and provider. Eli Imadali, Eli Imadali/The Republic

Geno Waddell stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 4, 2020. He bought the bandana-type piece for fashion a while back, but has now converted it into a mask. Eli Imadali/The Republic

George Rodriguez stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. He started making masks, including this Batman one, and selling them on his Etsy site that he usually sells drag queen wigs on, Georgina the Doll Wigs. Eli Imadali/The Republic

Barbra Spotts stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 5, 2020. She's worn her mask for three weeks now since she works as an in-home counselor. In-home counselors like Spotts are now able to practice tele-counseling, however. Eli Imadali/The Republic

Stephanie Big Crow stands for a portrait outside Safeway in Phoenix on April 4, 2020. She's worn her mask for three weeks now. Big Crow said she was already prepared for survival because of her mistrust of the federal government as a Lakota woman. Eli Imadali/The Republic

Shortage of test supplies, knowledge

Koeneman said there remains a shortage of test swabs and collection devices needed to meet patients’ and providers’ demand for tests.

Problems that are causing delays or affecting the response to the virus, like the lack of enough plastic swabs to get samples, have surprised England in Pima County.

“It’s astounding to me that we can't even, this far into it, produce enough personal protective equipment and test swabs. I just … it's mind boggling. But that’s where we’re at,” he said.

Policymakers who will decide when social distancing orders can be relaxed need good information first, England said.

Any speculation about whether these orders can be lifted by a specific date is the wrong way to look at the issue, he said.

Instead, England said, certain measures need to implemented first: There needs to be abundant testing for anyone who wants or needs it, a solid understanding that we’re well past the peak of cases, a health care system with adequate resources and a public health system that can rely on testing well enough to conduct investigations and do contact tracing to cut off transmissions.

"If we get all those things in place, then we can start relaxing some of the social mitigation one step at a time and see what happens," he said. "But that ain't happening by the end of the month."